Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are several (usually four) tiny glands,
located next to or behind the thyroid gland in the neck. They help control the
amount of calcium in the blood. Normal calcium levels help maintain muscle
control and the blood's ability to clot.

Enlarged parathyroid glands can cause excess levels of parathyroid
hormone (hyperparathyroidism), which may lead to excess calcium in the blood.
Surgery may be needed to treat this problem.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology

Current as of

April 5, 2012

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated:
April 05, 2012

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